and Theater Meervaart in Amsterdam

Sunday – May 18 – 14:30

proudly present

Pandit Rajeev Janardan

Surbahar & Sitar

accompanied by

Sandip Bhattacharya

Pakhawaj & Tabla

Rajeev Janardan

Rajeev Janardan

Pt. Rajeev Janadran is an exponent of Hindustani Classical Music (North Indian style) and is recognised as one of the greatest Sitar & Surbahar players of his generation. Pt. Rajeev Janardan is an unparalleled artist; his versatility with the instrument and its techniques combined with his deep understanding of the ragas stands him apart. His renditions represent the pure essence of a highly revered musical heritage.

Pt. Janardan’s music is an innovative blend of intricate “Gayaki Ang” (vocal style) & “Tantra Ang” (instrumental style). The uncanny accuracy of his “Meends”, his delightful “Surlagao”, crystal clear superfast Taankari in compositions, “Dirdir” and “Chikari” variations in Jhala sections, leaves audiences spell bound. He prefers to play sitar in “Imdadkhani” style however he has equal command over the 7 string sitar of “Maihar Gharana” and sitar with 17 Frats of “Saini Gharana.”

In an era where there is no dearth of surbahar sitar and players who have mastered speed, Pt. Rajeev Janardan’s music is different because it blends both speed and melody to create a deep meditative trance when he plays. He is very adept in expressing a wide range of emotions in his recitals where he moves from “virah” to “milaap” like a dexterous player creating a visual scene for the audience. Listeners of all ages grasp his music differently but agree on its astounding ability to evoke emotions. His renditions which are mystical, soothing and calming have earned him undying admiration of an entire generation.

He has researched the finer nuances of sound that is produced when playing the Surbahar and Sitar. Pt. Rajeev Janardan’s unique contributions to the field are his ability to create sound without the strike of the mizrab being visible. He is able to create the resonance of 7 notes in one stroke without any disruption in sound. In Jhala playing all strings separately without any noise are his contributions to the art of sitar playing.

He is considered to be one of the few musicians to have made extensive efforts to expose the world to Indian classical music. For the coming generations, his training has contributed immensely towards enhancing the cultural wealth of the country. He continues to create new patrons in the field wherever he plays and there is a constant stream of Indian and Western students gravitating towards him to learn the art. He has tutored a great number of Indian and International students from Russia, Hungary, America, Japan, France, Spain, United Kingdom and Australia. His students are in turn spreading the knowledge and appreciation for Sitar as well as the Indian culture worldwide.

Pt. Rajeev Janardan has performed in keystone international music festivals and famous venues collaborating with artists around the globe and has been invited to many prestigious programs in India. He has earned enviable acclaim for his recitals and received numerous honours and appreciations within the country & abroad.

Pt. Rajeev Janardan received his initial musical training under the tutelage of Late Pt. Bimalendu Mukherjee. Later in his years he worked on creating his own style of music which is peaceful and distinctive. He upholds aesthetic principles of traditional music and mesmerizes audience with his pristine pure, delicate yet fiery music. His melody and rhythm are inspirational.

Sandip Bhattacharya

Amsterdam based artist Sandip Bhattacharya is a prominent name among the lovers of Indian classical music.

He is a disciple of Pt. Ishwar Lal Mishra of Benaras and Pt. Aravind Mulgaonkar of Mumbai. Thus his style of playing is very unique which elaborates a wide range of 3 gharanas and Sandip beautifully combines this style to express his musical depth.

He shares this knowledge with his students in Netherlands, different part of Europe and in India.

Sandip has been traveling and performing with top Indian classical musicians for the last 25 years all over the world. He regularly performs in India as well abroad for festivals, concert halls, Radio and TV.